View Full Version : Seam stitches
cwayman1
11-05-2009, 23:30
Hey,
Hopefully starting my second pack tomorrow and just wondering what y'all's opinions (bc I know they're there :)) are regarding different stitches and their strength. Which one's work better and when? Thanks!
cwayman1
Rocketman
11-12-2009, 10:50
Look at a pair of bluejeans. There are typically two kinds of leg seams 1) the straight stitch as on the outside seam of many jeans and 2) the lap fell seam as on the inside of many jeans legs.
The lap fell seam is also used as the ridgeline in tents and tarps and is stronger than the straight stitch, but is heavier as you can see by looking at seams on jeans.
3) There is the 'bar tack" which is a wide zigzag with very small distance between holes along the direction of the joint. It is almost a seam with a wide width, and lots of threads zig-zagging across but the threads just pile up into a nice thick bundle. Because of all of the stitching threads, there can be a lot of strength added. You will find these often on belt loops and pocket corners of jeans.
Those will be the main stitches you use.
There are some stitches that are designed with stretch or "give" in them for use with stretch fabrics. Typically, you will not use much stretchy fabric, and when you do you can google for stretch stitches.
Probably already know this but the backstitch is the strongest of them all followed by the blanket stitch.
http://www.mcnett-outdoor.com/Repair-Guide/Packs-And-Gear/736.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanket_stitch